As Hurricane Isabel continues its path towards the United States, threatening families along the east coast, the American Red Cross has announced that its disaster relief fund is empty.  Disasters strike communities across the nation about 186 times daily, the majority are �silent� disasters never making the news, yet mobilizing much of the charity�s resources.  Coastal residents can count on the Red Cross for the most immediate basic needs � food, clothing, shelter and medication replacement � but future assistance will be dependent on new donations.  American Red Cross President Marsha Evans:

�The American Red Cross urges every individual, every family, every business to take steps now to prepare for this hurricane.  The Red Cross will respond wherever, whenever this disaster strikes, but we need your help to do that � so make a financial contribution now.�

Americans can make a donation to the Red Cross today by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW, or log on to red cross-dot-org.